Chromosome 20 open reading frame 204 (C20orf204)

C20orf204 (chromosome 20 open reading frame 204), also known as LINC00176 or long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 176, refers to a locus on chromosome 20 that produces both protein-coding and noncoding RNA transcripts[1][2]. A cancer-specific splice variant in hepatocellular carcinoma encodes a 189-amino acid protein (C20orf204-189AA), predominantly found in the nucleus of HCC cells but not in normal tissue[2]. This protein interacts with nucleolin and ribosomal RNA, influencing ribosomal RNA transcription and promoting cancer cell proliferation[2]. The C20orf204 gene and its protein product have emerged as candidate biomarkers for HCC due to their selective expression and association with tumor grade and prognosis, but are not currently recognized as drug targets[2][7]. Other splice variants, and the lncRNA signature, may act as molecular sponges for tumor suppressor microRNAs, further contributing to tumorigenesis in HCC[2][7]. There is limited, preliminary evidence of a role in other cancer types, such as ovarian cancer[6]. Overall, C20orf204 represents a novel noncanonical cancer-associated gene with emerging significance in HCC biology.

Other names

C20orf204Chromosome 20 open reading frame 204LINC00176Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 176NCRNA00176DKFZp434G015FLJ27267FLJ17673PRR17Putative proline-rich protein 17

Not applicable. No established drug action mechanisms (such as inhibition, agonism, modulation) have been described for agents acting on C20orf204 or its protein product.